Dortmund's Tactical Resilience Amid Winter Transfer Inactivity

In a surprising yet resolute stance, Sebastian Kehl, Borussia Dortmund's sporting director, announced that the club would abstain from making any further signings before the winter transfer deadline on February 2, 2026. This decision arrives in the wake of an injury to key player Filippo Man, which occurred just a day prior, raising questions about Dortmund's strategic depth as they continue their Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns.

Despite the potential vulnerability exposed by Man's absence, the club has opted to place its confidence in the existing squad. As Kehl conveyed to Sky Germany, after thorough internal discussions, the decision was made to proceed without any new acquisitions during the winter window. This choice reflects a profound belief in the collective capability of Dortmund's current roster, despite the challenges posed by injuries.

Tactically, Dortmund's approach underlines a commitment to their preferred formations and player movements. Typically employing a 4-2-3-1 formation, Dortmund relies on the dual pivot in midfield to maintain stability while allowing full-backs to press forward, creating width and supporting dynamic wingers. The injury to Man, a versatile component of their attacking strategy, necessitates a potential reshuffle that could see more reliance on younger talents or tactical tweaks, such as shifting to a 3-4-2-1 to leverage wing-backs for width.

Dortmund's recent successes, evidenced by key match wins, highlight their ability to adapt within their tactical framework. The decision to forego new signings suggests a belief that internal solutions, such as positional adjustments or the promotion of youth players, can adequately compensate for the loss. This strategy not only reflects faith in the squad but also a long-term vision of nurturing internal talent over short-term fixes.

As the season progresses, Dortmund's tactical resilience will be tested. Whether through intelligent repositioning of existing players or the emergence of new leaders on the pitch, the club's strategic choices in the face of adversity will be pivotal. The decision not to engage in the transfer market underscores a profound trust in the current setup to navigate the complexities of ongoing competitions.